I had to change the brushes in my Festool sander and saw the little protector pin buied in the brush.  Apparently it is there to protect the sander from going all the way through the brush, ruining the armature.

After removing the pin the sander fired right back up with no problems.  I then ordered new brushes, but at least I will be able to use the sander until they arrive.

Good thinking Andy you could probably get another 6 mths out of it mate.